Advanced Expertise in the Treatment of Colorectal Disorders and Diseases

Our Five Pillars

Expansive Capabilities

The UH colorectal surgery team has the broadest capabilities of any colorectal team in the country. We have the skills and experience to treat a full spectrum of colorectal disorders from the most common complaints such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures/fistulas to the most complex conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, primary and recurrent colorectal cancers and reoperative surgeries to treat surgical complications. In many cases, our surgeons use the latest laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical techniques including robotic surgery and trans-anal approaches. In particular, we have gained national recognition for our expertise in single-incision or single-port surgery. As its name suggests, this minimally invasive approach requires only one incision, resulting in less blood loss and shorter recovery times. Very few surgeons outside of University Hospitals have developed the technical expertise necessary to give their patients the benefit of this approach.

For highly complex surgeries, including those to treat recurrent colorectal cancers, enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) and surgical complications, the surgeons at the UH Center for Reoperative Surgery see patients from across the country and the world. Their expertise in reoperative techniques has made UH a national referral center for these complex cases. In addition, UH is one of the only centers in the country to offer continent ileostomy procedures which eliminate the need for an external bag to collect stool. Our reputation for surgical excellence has made us one of the highest volume centers in the country for these complex conditions.

Experience & Expertise

In addition to advanced training in general colorectal surgery, our experts possess unique skillsets in certain subspecialties within the field, ensuring each patient receives optimal care based on their condition and surgical needs. Specialty areas include minimally invasive surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, anorectal conditions, pelvic floor disorders, colorectal cancer, reoperative surgery and single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS).

Compassionate Care Throughout the Patient Journey

Our compassionate team of colorectal specialists is dedicated to developing the most effective and personalized treatment plan for each patient. Your team may include:

• Your surgeon
• Nurse practitioners
• Enterostomal therapy nurses
• Medical and radiation oncologists, oncologic surgeons and nurses from UH Seidman Cancer Center
• Patient navigators and support staff

All care is delivered in a patient-centered environment featuring single occupancy rooms and nurses who have dedicated their careers to providing this specialized care to patients. Our patients also enjoy the added convenience of access to advanced colorectal care in the community. In addition to caring for patients at our main campus in Cleveland, our surgeons also provide care at several of our community medical centers.

The support we provide begins long before the actual surgery with pre-surgical counseling and continues until the recovery period is complete. In fact, our experts were actively involved in developing a comprehensive set of protocols for the care of surgical patients to ensure an optimal experience, the best possible outcome and a faster return to home and normal activities.

Leadership In Education

Our surgeons are also actively involved in the medical education of students and residents, serving as professors and associate professors of colorectal surgery at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. We have one of the most preeminent colorectal surgery training programs in the country.

Research

In collaboration with the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the UH RISES program, the Division of Colorectal Surgery at UH boasts a long tradition of excellence in clinical research. This award-winning research on colorectal surgery provides us with a path forward to develop new technology and innovations to provide our patients with the most advanced, value-based care and improved outcomes, including participation in clinical trials.